1961 AC Cobra vs. 2001 Porsche 996
To start off, 2001 Porsche 996 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1961 AC Cobra. (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1961 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Porsche 996 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1961 AC Cobra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 AC Cobra. (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 2001 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | AC | Porsche |
| Model | Cobra | 996 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2360 mm |
